Manaslu & Tsum Valley Trek, otherwise known as “The Hidden Valley,” is among the most captivating and isolated trekking trails in Nepal. The Tsum Valley trek was closed to only a select few until 2008 and follows mostly the way of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Manaslu & Tsum Valley Trek has mountains, passes, gorges, villages, gompas, chortens, & mani walls. The people from the northern region of Manaslu & Tsum Valley Trek are mostly of Tibetan origin and are all devout Buddhists, hence retaining distinct cultural beliefs and practices. During this trekking adventure, one will experience enchanting vistas including Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, Manaslu, and Boudha Himal ranges.
To embark on this journey, you have to trek from the areas of Gorkha or Arughat towards the southern part of Manaslu. The journey takes you along the valleys of the Budi Gandaki River, the forest areas, and the villages. After diverting from the Manaslu trail, you will find yourself in the Tsum Valley, where the existence of a hidden environment becomes visible. While on the Manaslu trail or Tsum trail, you will have the ability to pass through alpine forests, rivers, glaciers, and gompas such as Milarepa’s Cave, Rachen Gompa, and Mu Gompa. The welcome you will receive from the indigenous people makes this journey a lifetime memory.
Highlights of the Trek to Manaslu & Tsum Valley:
Our journey to the Hidden Valley starts with a direct bus journey from Kathmandu to Arughat, a picturesque market town that is located on the banks of the River Budhi Gandaki. On arriving at Arughat, check into your lodge and take a rest before embarking on the trek.
Includes: Private Transport, English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and overnight hotel accommodation at available local lodges.
The route is less crowded from Arughat, and one can choose to take a jeep for Soti Khola or trek through the villages of the Magar and Gurung tribes. The climatic condition here is warm enough for copious cultivation, so we could see rice, maize, and millet fields on the way. Finally, upon reaching Arkhet, the actual trekking begins, and we move on to Lapubesi, where we will spend the night.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and overnight hotel accommodation at available local lodges.
Moving ahead with the river, we enter Machhakhola. There are quite a several ups and downs ahead, so we need to remain careful because, at times, monkeys and langurs are spotted throwing rocks. While trekking ahead, we have the opportunity to pass through a Gurung settlement and a botanical garden. After trekking the ups and downs, we move ahead to the settlement of Tatopani, which is renowned for the natural hot springs it comprises. This place was an ideal spot for relaxation and spending quality time.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and overnight hotel accommodation at available local lodges.
Today, we start trekking with the ascent to the top of the hill through the suspension bridge. After going through the landslide area, we move on to the Yaru Khola Bridge to reach the spot called Yaru Phant. Next, the route goes through the riverbed, then up the rock hill to Salleri, with the descent to Sirdibas, finally reaching Philim Gaun via Ghatekhola.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and overnight hotel accommodation at available local lodges.
From this point, the trek takes us through a panoramic and exhilarating trail. After having our breakfast, we proceed with our trek to the north, passing along the trail towards Larkya La, with dense pine forests along with breathtaking sights of the shrinking valley. The trail takes us downhill to the fork, with the left part leading us to Ghan and the right leading to the Tsum Valley. We then cross the Siyar Khola and proceed to the Lokpa (2,240m) village, with barley fields encircling the village. We take some time trekking, and soon we find ourselves at the village of Chumling, welcomed by the historical gompa, orchards, and the typical dwellings along with the meandering stonework roads.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and overnight hotel accommodation at available local lodges.
We start the day by walking over a suspension bridge and through a landslide area, and then ascend up the valley to the east, with fantastic views of Ganesh Himal, reaching the village of Rainjam. We then cross the Serpu Khola and proceed along the trail into the upper valley of Tsum. We soon arrive at Chhokang-Paro village after some trekking.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and overnight hotel accommodation at available local lodges.
Early morning, you can walk around the village to explore, and you can see a wild goat if you are lucky. We then move east through a few villages, and then we have to trek to a ridge, where we visit the cave of the great Buddhist meditation master, Milarepa. Pressing on, we have to cross Shiyar Khola, trek through villages, and then come across a strange-looking stupa, and finally enter the bigger village of Chhule via a stunning entry gate. Leaving Chhule, we trek along the river, which leads us to Nile Village, where we will stay for the night.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and overnight hotel accommodation at available local lodges.
Today, you will visit Mu Gompa. After breakfast, you will trek on the western side of the valley, which leads into a very narrow valley. The final ascent is across the dry landscape of the Tibetan region, dotted with chortens, to Mu Gompa. There, you can visit the ancient gompa and the nunnery of Dhephu Doma. Adventurous travelers can choose to go up either Kalung Pass (3,820 m) or Bhajyo Pass (4,030 m) for the spectacular view of Tibet across the Nepal border.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and overnight hotel accommodation at available local lodges.
We move ahead and return to Phurbe. Remaining on the eastern side of the Siyar Khola, we follow a boulder path that leads us to Rachen Gompa. This place offers a chance to see the ancient gompa and then a village inhabited by people from the Gompa community, who have a monastery in every home or a resident lama or lama in their family.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and overnight hotel accommodation at available local lodges.
We start the day after breakfast by moving across the bridge towards the west bank and then returning to Chhokang-Paro before descending towards Chumling. It takes about two hours to get to the village of Gho, passing the old gompa on the way. We then cross the wooden bridge at Siyar Khola to get to Domje. Having left Domje, the route takes us up the zigzag way amidst pine and rhododendron trees to finally get to Gumba Lungdang.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and overnight hotel accommodation at available local lodges.
After breakfast, we walk around the gompa via a white gate and, passing below the nuns’ residence, take a zigzag trail through the forest before fording the Laudung Khola. Then the trail climbs rather steeply for half an hour, leading through pristine forests of pine and rhododendron to a ridge, from which there’s a grassy field near the Toro Gumba Glacier, passing through a host of seasonal yak shelters in the process. It takes about four hours of trekking to reach the base of Ganesh Himal, where you can explore the region before backtracking to Gumba Lungdang.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and overnight hotel accommodation at available local lodges.
We head down to Domje. After crossing the Laudung Khola on a swing bridge, we enter a beautiful forest on the lower trail. After a descent on steep stairs, we reach Ghumlong along the river. Then we ascend on a pristine forest trail leading us to Lokpa.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and overnight hotel accommodation at available local lodges.
Continuing on the journey, we follow the trail until a split is reached at Philim, where we turn right and cross the Budhi Gandaki. After the teahouse, we find the final view of the Tsum Valley. The trail leads us through a narrow gorge, complete with ups and downs, until we reach the western side and the village of Sirdibas. Eventually, we reach the stone-carving village of Bihi. Continuing, we find ourselves in and out of canyons, then crossing the Serung Khola before the final climb to Ghap.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and overnight hotel accommodation at available local lodges.
Staying on the south bank, we enter a very attractive fir and rhododendron forest where birds and grey langurs may often be seen. After crossing the river, take an enthusiastically recommended narrow shortcut to the right, which follows the riverbank through a superb pine forest. The trail ascends on a zigzag path to reach the village of Naming and eventually continues onward to Lho.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and overnight hotel accommodation at available local lodges.
Today is a short and easy day. From Lho, we enjoy a gentle walk to Shyala through pine and rhododendron forests, with stunning Mt. Manaslu views. After an hour or so, we reach Samagaon. The magnificent views of Manaslu soon disappear, and its place is taken by yak herds, rich pastures, and stone-built houses that seem to merge with the landscape. You can spend the rest of the day acclimatizing, because you will need it for tomorrow’s trek.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and overnight hotel accommodation at available local lodges.
Today is a rest and acclimatization day at Samagaon village. Though it is comparatively a lighter day, we will trek toward Manaslu Base Camp, which may take about 5 to 6 hours. On the way, one can visit an old gompa near Samagaon. If time allows, you can even stop at Birendra Tal for a serene environment.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and overnight hotel accommodation at available local lodges.
After breakfast, we start our descent through the Larkya La route, past the mani walls, and through the juniper and birch forests at the Karma Kharka area. Then, after a considerable walk, we cross a river and reach Samdo.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and overnight hotel accommodation at available local lodges.
Today, we descend, cross the wooden bridge, and climb while fording two streams, enjoying the breathtaking sight of the majestic glacier, the Larkya Glacier, all the while. After some climbing, we reach the stone guesthouse (4,450 m) known as Dharmashala or Larke Phedi.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and overnight hotel accommodation at available local lodges.
Today is an exhausting one as we set off from Dharmashala and trek to Bhimtang. After passing a series of moraines, we come across frozen lakes and Parke Pass, where we get treated to sights of Himlung Himal (7,126m) as well as other mountains: Gyaji Kung, Annapurna II, Cho Himla, and Kang Guru. In the night, we trek past low meadows before reaching Bhimtang.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and overnight hotel accommodation at available local lodges.
We set out today with a southern trek into the shelter of Bhimtang and crossing the Bhimtang Glacier. We climb up, therefore, along the moraine ridge line, avoiding rockfall, and into a magnificent forest. We continue along the river to Karche (2,700m), and there are many indications there of glacial floods. We move next to Gurung Gaon (2,560m) and then continue to Dharapani.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and overnight hotel accommodation at available local lodges.
After breakfast, you will drive to Kathmandu along the Marsyangdi and Trishuli Rivers via the Prithvi Highway. The route, which is sandwiched between steep ridges above these rivers, is full of scenic beauties like dense forests, rice fields, terraces, and flowing rivers, with green hills and quaint villages in between. After this long drive, you will finally be taken to your already booked hotel in Kathmandu. In this manner, your Asian Heritage Manaslu & Tsum Valley Trek ends.
Includes: Private Transport, and overnight hotel accommodation at Overnight in Yatri Suites & Spa or similar.
Getting to Nepal as an international visitor is easy with the availability of an easy-to-use Visa on Arrival service at Tribhuvan International Airport and almost all the land border crossings into Nepal. Upon arrival at the airport, you will complete the visa form, submit the necessary documents, pay the applicable visa fee online, and then you will be given your visa within a very short time.
With several different types of Nepali visas available for various duration periods, visitors have the choice of whether they want to stay for a few days or months; however, some nationalities must obtain their visa in advance of travelling, so you must check the current visa requirements.
Learn more about visa guidelines and requirements: Tourist Visa Information
Nepal offers a wide variety of accommodation to meet the varying requirements of travelers at every budget level and personal comfort preferences.
Luxury Accommodation
Enjoy the luxury and the comfort of a highly rated hotel, and are looking for a high-end experience. You will find many luxury hotels in Nepal with an array of modern conveniences, such as spa treatments, fine dining, beautiful locations, breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and individual attention from the staff. These types of hotels are perfect for people who want to relax, unwind, and experience luxurious facilities while traveling throughout Nepal.
Budget Accommodation
Travelers who want to experience Nepal without breaking the bank will be happy to know that there are also many inexpensive accommodation options, including guesthouses, boutique lodges, and homestays, which are all clean, friendly, and very good value. Budget accommodation allows a traveler to stay within their budget while experiencing the generosity of local hospitality.
We ensure that your accommodation matches your preference, whether you seek luxury or convenience.
Explore available accommodation categories: Accommodations in Nepal.
Nepal has a lot to offer with its incredible natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Travelling can also come with risks, which is why anyone visiting Nepal needs to consider purchasing travel insurance, particularly those involved in adventure activities or trekking, as well as those who will be travelling to remote areas of Nepal. A well-rounded insurance policy can provide peace of mind through protection against the following:
Many trekking routes in Nepal are over 3000 meters (9842 ft); therefore, your policy should specifically state that high altitude travel is part of your Insurance plan, as well as the option to be evacuated in the event of an emergency. Choosing the right policy will help you receive the best possible care in your time of need.
Find out more about travel insurance for Nepal: Travel Insurance in Nepal
For hikers traveling to the Nepalese Himalayas, it’s essential to have the correct trekking equipment. Depending on what elevation you’re at, the weather might change drastically, so it’s crucial to use and carry the proper clothing and equipment in order to enjoy a safe and comfortable trip.
If you don’t want to travel with your own equipment, there are plenty of places in Nepal where you can rent or purchase what you need (particularly in Thamel, Kathmandu’s main shopping district). There are also locations within the city where you can find stores that offer a variety of high-quality trekking apparel and equipment at very reasonable prices.
See the complete trekking gear guide: Trekking Gear
